Oral health continues to be a significant public health issue. Dental caries and gum disease are the most common oral health problems among children. Oral diseases cause pain, discomfort, and lead to social isolation and low self-esteem in children.

The smile is an integral part of human expression and communication. A smile is an indication of joy, happiness, and self-confidence. When oral health affects the smiling ability, children tend to avoid social situations leading to poor mental health.

The purpose of the study

The purpose of the study was to examine the smiles of 24,000 children over ten years and evaluate the changes in their oral health over time. The study examines factors that influence oral health and the prevalence of oral diseases in children.

The study aims to provide insights that can help in developing effective interventions to promote oral health among children.

Methodology

The study used a longitudinal design. The study collected data from 24,000 children between the ages of 5 and 15 years. The participants were recruited from four states in the US. The study used a convenience sampling technique.

The study collected data through clinical examinations, self-report questionnaires, and interviews. The study collected data on demographic characteristics, oral hygiene practices, dental caries, gum disease, and smile aesthetics. The study assessed dental caries using the decayed, missing, and filled teeth index (DMFT).

The study assessed gum disease using the community periodontal index (CPI). Smile aesthetics were assessed using a composite smile index (CSI). The study collected data at baseline, 2-year, 5-year, and 10-year follow-ups.

Results

The study found significant changes in the oral health status of the participants over ten years. The prevalence of dental caries decreased from 62% at baseline to 43% at ten-year follow-up.

The prevalence of gum disease decreased from 20% at baseline to 18% at ten-year follow-up. The composite smile index showed significant improvement from a mean score of 6.2 at baseline to 7.8 at ten-year follow-up.

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The study found that oral hygiene practices, such as brushing twice daily and using fluoridated toothpaste, were associated with lower prevalence of oral diseases. The study also found that parental education and household income were significant predictors of oral health status.

Children from higher-income households and those with highly educated parents had better oral health status compared to those from lower-income households and those with less educated parents.

Discussion

The study provides insights into the factors that influence oral health among children. The study found that oral hygiene practices such as brushing twice daily and using fluoridated toothpaste were crucial in preventing dental caries and gum disease.

The study also found that parental education and household income were significant predictors of oral health status. Children from higher-income households and those with highly educated parents had better oral health status.

This finding emphasizes the need for targeted interventions to promote oral health among children from low-income households and those with less educated parents. The study also found significant improvements in smile aesthetics over ten years. The composite smile index showed significant improvement, indicating that children’s smile aesthetics improve with age.

The study’s results can help in developing effective interventions to promote oral health and smile aesthetics among children.

Conclusion

The study provides valuable insights into the oral health status of children. The study found significant changes in oral health status over ten years.

The study emphasizes the importance of oral hygiene practices such as brushing twice daily and using fluoridated toothpaste in preventing oral diseases. The study also emphasizes the need for targeted interventions to promote oral health among children from low-income households and those with less educated parents.

The study’s results can help in developing effective interventions to promote oral health and smile aesthetics among children.